TORONTO, Jan. 24 /CNW/ - Canada's largest food industry association says
the government's plan to help the food processing sector to grow and be
more competitive is a comprehensive, well-considered document that will
spur the industry's growth and the country's continued economic
renewal. The details of Growing the Canadian Food Processing Sector - An Industry/Food
Processing Action Plan were unveiled today in Vancouver by the Honourable Jean-Pierre
Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State
(Agriculture).

"We commend the government for taking leadership to ensure a future for
one of the country's most important sectors, and for having the vision
to engage food industry sector representatives in developing the plan,"
says Derek Nighbor, senior vice president, Public and Regulatory
Affairs, Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC). "Most Canadians
would be surprised to know that the food industry is now the largest
employer in manufacturing in the country. That being said, we could be
bigger and better. It is our hope that the launch of today's Action
Plan will put the challenges facing our sector on the front burner of
public policy priorities in Ottawa."

Nighbor says the industry welcomes in particular the priority to
modernize Canada's regulatory environment to enable and encourage
innovation. "We have been urging the government to develop a modern,
world-class, food regulatory system. This would ensure that Canadians
have access to healthy product choices that are available in many other
countries, and at the same time, foster innovation, and boost economic
growth."

He says that bringing the system at par with other leading developed
nations would support the government's objectives for the health of
Canadians and the economy. Manufacturers would be able to bring to
market many "functional" foods (foods that have health benefits) that
are currently not allowed in Canada because the food and drug
regulations are outdated and not set up to process this type of
innovation. New growth opportunities domestically and abroad would be
created, not only for manufacturers, but also the agriculture industry,
retailers, and other sectors that support manufacturing.

Of the Canadian manufacturing sector, food is consistently the largest
component, employing just under 300,000 Canadians from coast to coast.
The industry is the largest purchaser (43 per cent) of agriculture
output and a significant exporter, with 70 per cent of the shipments
going to the US.

Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) is the country's largest food
industry association and represents Canadian-operated food, beverage
and consumer product companies that make and market national and
retailer brands sold through retail and foodservice outlets. FCPC
provides leadership to member companies and fosters an environment
where they can compete, innovate and sustain growth while always
promoting ethical and responsible practices. For more information
visit www.fcpc.ca.